Free Outdoor Swimming in Niagara 1 - Crystal Beach Waterfront

Welcome to the Crystal Beach Waterfront!



You have arrived! Here you can see the park sign which resembles ship sails with the fire hall-themed playground directly behind. Parking beside the playground is free, but limited.
 


Shallow, crystal clear, is this really in the Niagara Region? Yes, you are not dreaming. These waters are immediately to the left of the parking area. There is very little sand at this entry point, but if you can grab that spot, you have the best seat in the park. Enjoy!
 


 


 

About the Area

Crystal Beach is a small community of less than 4000 people located at the southernmost point of the Niagara Region. The area was once was a major summer attraction between 1889 and 1989 when there was a 'Crystal Beach Amusement Park". Tourists arrived by the thousands to walk along the coast, and visit the amusement park. The development of nearby amusement parks like Darien Lake threatened the success of the park, and resulted in its closure. The end of the amusement park ushered in a new era for Crystal Beach.

Today, the beach and waterfront area continue to attract visitors with amenities. Crystal-Bay Beach is the jewel in the crown of Fort Erie's Beaches. Sometimes referred to as "Canada's South Coast", it is a wide stretch 305 metres long of soft sand with clear lake water slopes lapping against a pure sand base. Entry to the beach and waterfront area is free, so many people come to relax and swim. Summer weekends are especially busy with visitors looking to unwind. The Crystal Beach shore is a great place for families with children, or groups of friends to spend time at during the summer season. You can swim in the clear waters of Lake Erie, go boating, take a hike, or have a picnic. Discover the Caribbean-like landscape in the Niagara Region today!

Note: Pets, alcohol & barbeques are not permitted on the beach.



Too busy to visit the park during the day? The park has a great sunset view as seen here! The best sunsets occur in July, and many local vendors can be found throughout the park area at this time too. Sunset and a drink, all in Niagara.
 


Did you think would find a shore this aesthetically pleasing in the Niagara Region? Take a walk along the warm, soft sand and enjoy the calm breeze of the Crystal Beach shores. Sandy areas are located on either side of the park, so there's plenty of space for everyone to tan!
 


The Waterfront area is surrounded by an abundance of lush trees. This trail is found to the left of the park, so if you don't feel like swimming, go for a nature walk in this remote forest instead!
 


 

 
 

Historical Attributes

 
 



This stone is located at the entrance area of the park, and states when the current park was established.
 


Welcome! This sign tells you the expectations of the park area including the operating hours, and who to contact for any inquiries.
 


 


 



This is one of the plaques located throughout the park that will enlighten you on the history of the area. This plaque describes the use of the shore, and how commerce and recreation have changed through the centuries.
 


 


 


 

Things to do Nearby

Palmwood Waterfront Eatery Patio and Bar - 3823 Terrace Lane, a cozy restaurant located beside Crystal Beach Waterfront Park

Crystal Chandelier Cafe - 3878 Erie Road, a fine-dining restaurant complete with a dance floor, just a two-minute drive from the Waterfront Park



Here is one of the benches in the park that gives you a beautiful view of Lake Erie. At this bench, you can see the shoreline of Buffalo in the distance.
 


 


 


 

Ownership and Management

The City of Fort Erie have helped develop and maintain peak conditions at the park. For more information please contact the Fort Erie Economic Development & Tourism Corporation at 1-888-270-9151.

Address

3855 Terrace Lane
Niagara Crystal Beach, ON
Canada L0S 1B0

This point shows the ideal point of entry in Lake Erie from the boat launch area. There are sandy shores on either side of the boat launch, as well as an abundance of parking.

Contact Information

Phone: 905-871-1600 ext. 2431

Hours of Operation

Every day from : 6:00 am - 11:00 pm

The Crystal Beach Waterfront Park boat launch is open from April to October (weather dependent).

Additional Sources of Information

This point of interest is one of many on the GuideTags app –
a free digital interpretive guide that features thematic tours, routes, and discovery sessions,
and automatically tells geolocated stories about the places that surround us.
Download the app today, and start exploring!
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